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"But as I said in the debate when I asked those of a faith belief to ask themselves: is my Christian faith dependent upon the state and the inclusion of my religious views via state power? Is my faith not strong enough to thrive, live and sing in a moment’s silent reflection?

"This Notice of Motion was motivated by a desire that we should separate faith and state not faith and politics. That is, for Christianity to be present in society and politics in a way that it is an invitation to embrace its vision of the world, as opposed to an involuntary imposition."

Councillor Barry stressed that the motion was neither anti-Christian nor an attempt to suggest that religious beliefs be banned from politics and the public sphere.

"This was not an attempt to deny councillors with a deep faith from expressing their views and seeking to convince me or others of their arguments and positions, or indeed convert me," he said.

"Indeed I welcome such ethically informed and sincerely held views, since they can resonate with my and other equally deeply held ethical beliefs.

"But no one ethical stance can dominate or be given some pre-eminent position over others.

"I fully recognise and appreciate the other-regarding and often selflessness that the best of Christianity offers. None of this is threatened by what I and Councillors Woods and Robinson proposed."